In celebration of this great American spirit, we thought it would be fun to interview one of the key personalities in the bourbon world — Rob Samuels, COO at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky and grandson of the founder Bill Samuels Sr.

Over several bourbons we came up with some questions and got back some great answers!

TWM: How old were you when you first tasted bourbon?

RS: 21, of course!

Bill Jr. and Rob Samuels holding the first bottles of Maker’s Mark and Maker’s Mark 46

TWM: What’s your favorite “everyday” bourbon?

RS: Maker’s Mark

TWM: How do you take your bourbon; neat, with water, ice, other?

RS: 80% of rotation is Maker’s or 46 rocks with splash of water

My grandfather’s (Maker’s founder) vision was handmade bourbon with a refined taste profile – no bite or bitterness. I take great pride when professional bartenders choose Maker’s for their handmade cocktails.

Fermenting Wash, Maker’s Mark Distillery

TWM: Do you have a favorite bourbon-based cocktail?

RS: Manhattan – but I just enjoyed a blueberry old fashioned (recipe below) that was yummy!

TWM: Most spectacular place you’ve ever had bourbon?

RS: The Cape of Good Hope

TWM: Which of your competitor’s bourbons would you drink in a pinch?

RS: Booker’s Bourbon. The Samuels family and the Beams were next door neighbors for 90 years. I treasure the family stories including Booker’s preference for barrel strength.